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Cyclone Judy upgrades to category-two storm

Written by
Ofani Eremae
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0

BY NED GAGAHE


Tropical Cyclone Judy has been upgraded to category two storm as it gains momentum and moving slowly towards northern waters of Vanuatu, the Solomon Islands Meteorological Services (SIMS) confirmed in Tropical cyclone warning number-five issued at 1.30pm yesterday.


SIMS also warned that the tropical low-pressure system in the Coral Sea is also approximately 410 nautical miles (761 km) west-southwest of Rennell and Bellona province.


At 1.30pm yesterday (Tuesday 28th February 2023) Tropical Cyclone Judy was located approximately 101 nautical miles (187 km) south of Tikopia Island.


“Cyclone Judy is moving southwest at 06 knots towards northern waters of Vanuatu and intensifying. Whilst the tropical low in the Coral Seas is moving northeast at 22 knots towards Rennell and Bellona province.


As such, SIMS warned that a tropical cyclone warning is still current for Temotu province and tropical disturbance is enforced for the remaining provinces.


“Situation: at 11:00 am (Tuesday), tropical cyclone Judy (category two) with a central pressure of 980 hectopascals was located near 14.0 degrees latitude south and 168.7 degrees longitude east. This is located approximately 101 nautical miles (187 km) south of Tikopia Island, Temotu province.


“At 11:00am (Tuesday), the tropical low in the Coral Sea with a central pressure of 1003 hectopascals was located near 12.6 degrees latitude south and 153.1 longitude east. This is located approximately 410 nautical miles (761 km) west-southwest of Rennell & Bellona province.


“Cyclone Judy is moving southwest at 06 knots towards northern waters of Vanuatu and intensifying. Whilst the tropical low in the coral seas is moving northeast at 22 knots towards Rennell and Bellona province.


“Expect gales force winds of 34 to 47 knots (63- 87 kilometers per hour) near and over whole of Temotu province and over Rennel and Bellona within in the next 24 hours with very rough seas and moderate to heavy swells (3.5 – 5.0 meters) and potential coastal flooding.
“Elsewhere (other provinces), expect winds of 20 to 30 knots (37- 56 kilometers per hour) increasing to 33 knots (61 kilometers per hour) with moderate to rough seas and moderate swells.


“Rain and thunderstorms, heavy at times is expected over most provinces.
“Such bad weather may lead to possible landslide and flooding over communities living near hill slopes, close to large rivers, streams and low-lying areas.


“Sea travelers are urged to consider safety actions as such heavy rain can reduce visibility.
“Motorists are also advised to use extreme caution when travelling on road. Do not attempt to cross rivers and large streams of unknown depth.


“People should take precautionary measures as bad weather associated with the tropical cyclone poses threats to lives and properties.
“Please share this information to people with disabilities.
“Please listen to SIBC and all media outlets for further updates. SIMS said

MHMS seeking funds for mental health facility work: PS McNeil

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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Permanent Secretary for Ministry of Health and Medical Services, Pauline McNeil.

By EDDIE OSIFELO

MINISTRY of Health and Medical Services is looking at locating funds to improve the mental health facility at National Referral Hospital this year.

This was after the contractor could not start work on the facility due to delay of payment after the Central Tender Board had awarded the tender already.

Permanent secretary of MHMS, Pauline McNeil said they are picking up on it this year so they can locate funds and allow construction to start.

Furthermore, McNeil said they have finalised the Mental Health policy last year and should go to Cabinet early next month, so they can have legal regulation around mental health in the country.

She said once get out of way, they can move on to legislate mental health issues.

According to Ashok N. Singh and Paul Orotaloa, mental health has been attracting increasing attention in the Solomon Islands, with growing support for the adoption of a broad national mental health policy.

Following agreement between the Ministry of Health and medical services, and the World Health Organization, a short-term consultant was mobilised from October 2008 to January 2009 to assist with the development of this policy.

As part of the intensive consultation process, over 120 individuals were interviewed, including senior national and provincial staff of the Ministry of Health, non-governmental organisations, church leaders and relatives and carers for people with mental disorders.

The feedback from a workshop and the consultation process was then incorporated into the national mental health policy.

The Mental Treatment Act 1970 consolidated the law relating to people of unsound mind and makes better provision for the care of persons suffering from mental disorders and for their custody, as well as governing the management and control of mental hospitals.

There is now an attempt to include community and primary care facilities within the remit of the Act.

The Act was amended in 1995 by two external consultants and attempts are now being made for its revision and passage through Parliament.

The country’s sole consultant psychiatrist (the second author) is responsible for the assessment of persons suffering from mental disorder under the Act. Formal mental health services in the Solomon Islands date back to 1950, when an asylum was established in Honiara, the capital.

It was principally a place for custody of anyone considered a danger to society or unable to care for themselves. In 1977, the government built a new 15-bed mental hospital on the grounds of Kilu’ufi Hospital in Auki, Malaita Province.

In 1984, 12 new beds were added to accommodate female patients.

Like its predecessor, the facility lacked qualified mental health staff and adequate resources.

NEW RULE,NEW RUE

Written by
Ofani Eremae
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0

MFAET warns public not to make use of seasonal work application for financial gains

BY NED GAGAHE

Some people are charging seasonal work applicants money in exchange for helping them upload their applications online, it is reported.

And, the ministry of foreign affairs (MFAET) is warning those involved in this opportunistic activity to stop.

In a media statement yesterday MFAET warned public ‘not to capitalise on the current Labour Mobility Unit recruitment drive for financial gains’.

This new development has popped up following MFAET’s new requirement that applications for seasonal work in Australia and New Zealand under the labour mobility scheme must be submitted electronically.

MFAET has disallowed submission of applications by hand.

This entails that applicants either apply through the MFAET online application portal, or email their application documents to the MFAET labour mobility email address.

This new requirement has reportedly disadvantaged people who do not have emails, or do not access the internet, or are without savvy on the internet, computer or smart phones.

People who find themselves in such situations are forced to seek out people who can help them email their applications, or apply online.

Hence, some people are reportedly helping out but not without a fee.

“Internet is not free too!” one commentator on facebook defends this action, adding that it is only a small cash incentive in exchange for helping someone who would have otherwise not be able to launch his or her application to MFAET, since the ministry is no longer accepting delivery by hand.

MFAET yesterday said it is aware that certain individuals are going around using the process to charge people financial fees to upload their application documents in light of the two-week window which is currently open for submission from February 27 to March 10.

As such, MFAET is urging public not to capitalise on the current LMU recruitment process for financial gains.

MFAET said only registered businesses are allowed to provide such services to the public and anyone capitalising for their own benefit is breaking the law.

“Those found to be involved in such activity will be reported to the Police.” MFAET said.

Meanwhile, online and email submissions for the Labour Mobility Unit Work Ready Pool opened on Monday, February 27 and will close on March 10.

Honiara road work to begin after PG23

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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MID Permanent Secretary (PS) Stephen Maesiola

By EDDIE OSIFELO

WORK on the improving and extending the existing four-lane road, from the central market through to White River (approximately 5km) will start after the Pacific Games.

The Pacific Games will be held in Honiara from November 19 and December 2.

Ministry of Infrastructure Development permanent secretary, Stephen Maesiola confirmed to media last Friday that work cannot start this year because ‘during the Games it will be very busy and the work will disturb traffic flow’.

The works include improvements to road drainage, longer lasting asphalt surfacing, together with road signs, markings, bus-shelters & street lighting.

China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation or CCECC was awarded the contract to upgrade the road by Asian Development Bank through an international tender process.

This for the first phase of the Land and Maritime Connectivity Project (LMCP).

Maesiola said CCECC has started work on the 2-lane road from the Honiara International Airport to Mberande, which is a 30 km road.

During the signing of the contracting agreement between Government and CCECC in May last year, Minister of National Planning and Development Coordinate and Supervising Minister of Finance and Treasury, Rex Ramofafia revealed that the DCGA Government has recognises the provision and improvement of National transport infrastructure is crucial in promoting corresponding improvements to the social and economic development of the Solomon Islands and identified the need for action to be taken in respect of major roads, wharves & port facilities within both the main urban centres and outlying rural areas.

The minister further revealed that to facilitate this comment the Government have arranged financing amounting to approximately USD 170 million, with assistance from the ADB, for improvements to selected infrastructure, that include roads & wharves in and around Honiara as well as in the provinces of Makira and Rennell & Bellona.

The second phase of the LMCP project will include 2 domestic wharfs in these provinces and the rehabilitation of the international Wharf in Honiara.

Minister Rex finally expressed his gratitude and confirm that the impact of the project, once complete, will be to contribute to a more efficient, safer and sustainable transport system that will improve access to education, health and social service facilities as well as offering increased opportunities to local businesses and general improvement in the overall wellbeing of the people of the Solomon Islands.

ESP report to be tabled in parl

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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0

By EDDIE OSIFELO

THE report of the Economic Stimulus Package is ready and will be tabled in Parliament.

Deputy Secretary to Cabinet Florence Joel confirmed this to media in a press conference last Friday.

Island Sun understands Government had engaged the Asian Development Bank to review the ESP.

Government had engaged more than 50 youths who went out to the provinces to conduct interviews in 2021.

However, they could not complete their assignments last year due to Covid-19, but they did follow up with the beneficiaries of the ESP through phone interviews.

According to Solomon Times, a public opinion research by USAID released in August 2021 says there is lack of transparency in the ESP.

The report says widespread lack of awareness about the ESP in particular has led to unrealistic expectations across provinces which, unmet, channel people’s frustration toward the government and those groups or individuals suspected of unfairly benefiting from this program.

In the absence of clear qualification criteria and verification mechanisms, research participants were concerned that the ESP has opened opportunities for preferential allocation and misuse of money, and called on the government to assess allowability of expenditures.

About $118.9 million was allocated for ESP in the 2021 budget.

OPEN FOR APPLY

Written by
Ofani Eremae
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0
MFAET Permanent Secretary, Collin Beck

2-week window of opportunity for seasonal work applications begins today, ends Friday March 10

THE new recruitment drive for workers to work in New Zealand and Australia opened 12am this morning (February 27) and closes on March 10.

Solomon Islanders between 21 to 50 years old are eligible to apply for the programme.

However, this year, the Labour Mobility Unit (LMU) in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade has introduced online and email submissions and not hand delivery of applications to the office.

The Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Collin Beck told media recently that they have learnt some lessons from 2021 when LMU received nearly 8000 applicants.

He said when they used the manual approach, it took them nearly two years just to keep interviewing, processing and data and at the same time mobilising workers.

“For this submission, next round of recruitment, we are asking everyone to do digitally to allow data come and go straight to data base,” he said.

Beck said there will be demonstration on this.

There will be a video demonstration on how to make submission.

The online submission can be done online via this link: https://solomon.pacificlabour.org/register

While email submissions can be sent through to this email address: [email protected]

All applicants must meet the following criteria:

  1. Have a valid passport.
  2. Applicants must be fit and healthy / not colour blind.
  3. Able to consistently lift 30kg from the floor.
  4. Able to work standing for extended periods of time.
  5. Applicants must be of good character with a strong work ethic.
  6. Have no Criminal Convictions or police records (or any ongoing criminal /court cases)
  7. Not consume alcohol
  8. Must be able to work on Weekends (Saturdays and/or Sundays)
  9. Applicants are encouraged to get vaccinated for Covid-19.

All applications must include:

  1. A cover letter (Expression of interest) outlining why you are interested to join the WRP to work in Australia. (Required)
  2. Applicants must include a CV that includes education and work experience including relevant dates. (required)
  3. Reference letters from previous employer/educational institutions/church leaders/community leaders are accepted. (required)
  4. Academic certificates (optional but encouraged)
  5. A copy of your passport bio-page, copy of receipt from the Ministry of Finance and Treasury (MoFT) is accepted (required)
  6. Valid Driving license (optional but encouraged)
  7. A full body length photo of yourself. (required)
  8. A copy of your Vaccine Card. (required)
  9. Include a recent Police Clearance certificate, copy of receipt from the Ministry of Finance and Treasury (MoFT) is accepted.  (required)

In the meantime, the LMU team will make an outreach to underrepresented provinces to do recruitment in order to spread the wealth from the Labour Mobility nationwide.

The scheduled provinces are:

– Makira: week of 27th February

– Temotu: Week of 6th March

– Isabel: Week of 13th March

MLHS discussions on
grave yard progressing

Written by
Mavis Podokolo
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0

BY MAVIS N PODOKOLO

MINISTRY of Lands, Housing and Survey (MLHS) is discussing road access to the newly identified graveyard site.

This is according to the Permanent Secretary Stanley Walenisia.

“Now we are progressing discussion on access road to go there and will be led by the Ministry of Infrastructure Development and of course the Honiara City Council is also one important player. HCC will work to finalise the cemetery plan which will have foot paths and also set aside burial sites for adults and children,” Walenisia said.

He said through the team work of the Ministry of Lands and two three ministries involved, the Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of Infrastructure and the Prime Minister’s Office on the policy side they have already identified the land and is around 10 hectares

“We have already come up with master plan under the Ministry of Lands. We have already identified where the cemetery will sit.

“As part of the plan a church building is proposed to be built there, to accommodate funeral services near the grave yard. There will also be a cremation facility,” Walenisia said.

70 students from Vanuatu this weekend for SINU

Written by
Ofani Eremae
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0
Solomon Islands National University

BY NED GAGAHE

About 70 students from Vanuatu will arrive this weekend to commence study at Solomon Islands National University (SINU) this year.

This was announced by SINU Chancellor Sir Dr Nathan Kere at the inauguration ceremony of SINU third Vice Chancellor Professor Transform Aqorau held yesterday at Friendship Hall, Panatina Campus.

“About 70 pioneer international students from Vanuatu would arrive this weekend entering SINU this year.

“The epitome of these achievements is now the inauguration of our new Vice Chancellor today.

“We decide to have a proper and transparent beginning to provide our new Vice Chancellor the platform from which he informs all of us and the nation his passionate visions and missions for our University, as the top tertiary institution for learning, inquiry and research in Solomon Islands.

“I am elated at these achievements made during these recent difficult years and indeed it make me proud to be your SINU Chancellor,” The SINU Chancellor said

Sir Dr Nathan Kere said SINU has indeed gone through several serious challenges in the last few years including the covid-19 pandemic, but he said he is pleased that SINU has gone through and thanked everyone for their serious commitment to the reform by the senior management and the Council.

“We know have new SINU outlooks indicating improvements through the whole of SINU as specified in our current 5-year strategic plans.

“A new look SINU Council being led by the Pro Chancellor Dr Morgan Wairiu.

“We have new and qualified academic staff, professors and experienced PHD graduates and new experienced corporative staff members.

“All have been engaged through the normal due processes. Equally important, SINU is embarking on a new academic programme consistent with international academic standards.”

Meanwhile, it was revealed that most if not all of the Vanuatu students will undertake nursing programmes at SINU starting this year.

$5m for SIBC

Written by
Ofani Eremae
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0

PMO tops up $4m to national broadcaster

The Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (OPMC) has injected a SB$5 million budgetary support to the Solomon Islands Broadcasting Corporation (SIBC) to boost the national broadcaster’s services locally and abroad.

This is an increase of $4 million from the annual subvention grant of $1 million every year.

The increase was drawn under the Government Communication Unit (GCU) annual recurrent budget.

Director of GCU, George Herming confirmed the increased allocation, saying, PMO is committed to boost its support towards SIBC following the repositioning of the national broadcaster under the Prime Minister’s Office last year.

SIBC was repositioned from a State Owned Enterprise (SOE) in 2022 and became a National Broadcaster under the Prime Minister’s Information Service portfolio.

“SIBC is a vital information service institution for the country and the national government is committed to support its operations following its repositioning under the Prime Minister’s Information Service portfolio,” Herming said.

Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare recently pledged his full support for the establishment of a Television Service branch of SIBC.

Once established, the TV service will elevate the country’s broadcasting and information services to greater heights.

–GCU PRESS

MPG delegation in Honiara

Written by
Samie Waikori
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0

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

A Malaita provincial government delegation is in Honiara for talks with government agencies on areas of capacity strengthening for the province.

The four-man team is led by Deputy Premier Joe Hero’au.

They include provincial minister for finance, Randol Sifoni, minister for planning, Elijah Asilaua and MPG Chief Planning officer (CPO), Mr Peter Herehura.

In an interview with Mr Hero’au prior to their departure yesterday, he said the delegation will be in Honiara to hold talks on a number of areas the province is facing.

Hero’au said during the visit, they will meet with the policy team under PMO as well as hold dialogue with responsible government ministries on national projects in the province.

He said the delegation will also meet with the Ministry of Provincial Government and Institutional Strengthen (MPGIS) on other outstanding issues the province is bearing.

Hero’au adds, issues such as Provincial Capacity Development Fund (PCDF), Ward Development Grant (WDG), the Provincial Secretary and legal advisor posts for Malaita and others.

Moreover, he said they will try to reestablish relations between Malaita provincial government and the national government.

Asked whether one of the objectives of the mission is to strike a deal with the People’s Republic of China (PRC) through the national government, he responded “no”.

Hero’au reaffirmed that the China deal, as rumours have it in Auki, is not part of the agenda for their dialogue with the national government.

He reiterated that the dialogue will only be on issues the province is currently facing and some of its outstanding issues mentioned.

Hero’au said this is important so that feedbacks could be presented by the premier on the floor of assembly during the assembly meeting proposed for next week.

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